In an unexpected twist of financial adaptation, hedge funds including Qube, Virtu, and Jump are pivoting towards a new normal by embracing the relentless rhythm of cryptocurrency markets. As of June 2025, these traditionally weekday-focused financial behemoths are now staffing up with weekend crypto traders to tackle the ceaseless ebb and flow of digital assets. The move marks a significant shift in strategy as the industry grapples with the unique demands of 24/7 trading—a stark contrast to conventional stock markets.
A New Era for Hedge Funds
Crypto never sleeps. That much is clear. Hedge funds have long thrived on precision, timing, and strategic foresight, but in the world of digital currencies, there’s a new layer of complexity: the weekend. “In a market where volatility doesn’t take a break, neither can we,” remarked a senior analyst at Qube, who wished to remain unnamed. The stakes are high, and the potential for gains—or losses—is magnified when most traders are off the clock. This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our analysis of corporate treasury investments.
Traditionally, crypto was a playground for the bold and the young—those willing to trade at all hours from the comfort of their homes. But as the sector matures, the big players are taking notice. Enter the hedge funds, with their deep pockets and keen acumen, now hiring weekend warriors to keep pace with the frenetic nature of cryptocurrencies. The result? A more competitive, and arguably more dynamic, market landscape.
The Weekend Hustle
For hedge funds, the weekend presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With markets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and newer players like Solana and Avalanche, the trading never stops. This nonstop nature means that price swings, influenced by global events or whale-sized trades, can occur anytime. “The weekends used to be a time for reflection and strategizing,” explained a market strategist at Virtu, “but now, they’re just as crucial as any weekday.” As explored in our recent coverage of JPMorgan’s acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs as loan collateral, the financial sector’s embrace of crypto assets continues to expand.
These changes are not without their critics. Some argue that the relentless pace could lead to burnout among traders, while others worry about the potential for increased market manipulation during off-peak hours when liquidity is lower. “We’re in uncharted waters,” said a financial analyst from Jump. “But that’s the beauty—and the risk—of it.”
Despite these concerns, the allure of capturing untapped gains seems to outweigh the downsides. For hedge funds, the decision to operate through the weekend is not just about keeping up with the Joneses; it’s about innovation and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The rise of crypto weekend trading by hedge funds is not without precedent. The push towards round-the-clock operations echoes past financial innovations, such as the advent of electronic trading in the 1990s, which transformed Wall Street. This time, however, the transformation is driven by a decentralized ecosystem that defies traditional boundaries.
Yet, questions linger. How sustainable is this model? Can traders maintain the mental acuity necessary for success without the traditional breaks? And more fundamentally, what does this mean for the future of finance, where the line between work and personal time blurs ever further?
What happens next remains to be seen. As hedge funds continue to adapt to the demands of the crypto sphere, one thing is clear: the market will keep evolving, challenging even the most seasoned traders to rethink their strategies. While the weekend may have been “killed,” what rises from its ashes could well redefine the financial world as we know it.
Source
This article is based on: Crypto has killed the weekend: Hedge funds quietly scramble to adapt
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
